Photo of Laurie Beth Richardson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Laurie Beth Richardson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
com/laurie-richardson-family-therapist.
The idea that one learns by experiencing and is truly capable of making the necessary shifts in their lives is a mantra I live by. When one person mirrors another with gentle listening, others are able to clearly see what no longer works in their lives. Ingrained habits coming from difficult childhoods could be the very source of havoc, that with conscious awareness, can shift. Perhaps the way one communicates is keeping love from flowing in your life. Maybe parenting a child who reminds you of yourself means confronting yourself on a deeply personal level. Or perhaps it is simply a life transition that is simply too much.
com/laurie-richardson-family-therapist.
The idea that one learns by experiencing and is truly capable of making the necessary shifts in their lives is a mantra I live by. When one person mirrors another with gentle listening, others are able to clearly see what no longer works in their lives. Ingrained habits coming from difficult childhoods could be the very source of havoc, that with conscious awareness, can shift. Perhaps the way one communicates is keeping love from flowing in your life. Maybe parenting a child who reminds you of yourself means confronting yourself on a deeply personal level. Or perhaps it is simply a life transition that is simply too much.
(916) 249-5182 View (916) 249-5182
Photo of Central Valley Family Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Central Valley Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95814
Central Valley Family Therapy specializes in Early Childhood Infant Mental Health, Women's Reproductive Mental Health, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy and Individual Therapy.
Central Valley Family Therapy is a group practice whose sole focus is providing individuals, couples and families support through all walks of life. Our clinicians recognize the importance of quality treatment for each and every client that walks through our doors. We welcome clients with culturally diverse identities, backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and experiences. We believe that every person who seeks support should have access to quality mental health services. Our focus is not only on your unique therapeutic goals, but in providing our clients with a warm, friendly and nurturing environment.
Central Valley Family Therapy specializes in Early Childhood Infant Mental Health, Women's Reproductive Mental Health, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy and Individual Therapy.
Central Valley Family Therapy is a group practice whose sole focus is providing individuals, couples and families support through all walks of life. Our clinicians recognize the importance of quality treatment for each and every client that walks through our doors. We welcome clients with culturally diverse identities, backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and experiences. We believe that every person who seeks support should have access to quality mental health services. Our focus is not only on your unique therapeutic goals, but in providing our clients with a warm, friendly and nurturing environment.
(916) 269-5422 View (916) 269-5422
Photo of Vasily Todoriko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Vasily Todoriko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
I have 13 years of experience working with the following problem areas: Anger Management, Anxiety, Assertiveness Skills, Cultural Issues/Immigration, Depression, Family Conflict, Identity Formation, Life Transitions, Relationship Health (Couples, Family, Peer), Religious Issues, Schizophrenia, Self Esteem, and Self-Harm.
Relationships move us, give us life, and can even suck the life out of us. We were made for them. That is why I specialize in them - relationships with friends, family, colleagues, ourselves, our higher power. Properly realigning these problematic, strained, estranged relationships transforms your suffering into purposeful, worthwhile living. Ultimately your fullest life is my goal as your therapist. The greatest gift you can bring to your relationships is you. The best gift you can give the world is your relationships. What will you choose to do with these two important aspects of your one life?
I have 13 years of experience working with the following problem areas: Anger Management, Anxiety, Assertiveness Skills, Cultural Issues/Immigration, Depression, Family Conflict, Identity Formation, Life Transitions, Relationship Health (Couples, Family, Peer), Religious Issues, Schizophrenia, Self Esteem, and Self-Harm.
Relationships move us, give us life, and can even suck the life out of us. We were made for them. That is why I specialize in them - relationships with friends, family, colleagues, ourselves, our higher power. Properly realigning these problematic, strained, estranged relationships transforms your suffering into purposeful, worthwhile living. Ultimately your fullest life is my goal as your therapist. The greatest gift you can bring to your relationships is you. The best gift you can give the world is your relationships. What will you choose to do with these two important aspects of your one life?
(805) 973-0751 View (805) 973-0751
Photo of Jason Briggs, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Jason Briggs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BSW, MHRS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
I treat the family as a system in which each person is honored and respected.
What do you want? What are you doing to get it? Is it working, and if not, what can you do differently? Your personal goals for therapy, once defined, will be at the heart of our work together. I'll support you in applying your strengths, deepening your sense of connection to yourself and those you love, and finding healthy ways to relate to negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Suffering is part of the human condition, but together, we can learn to respond to it skillfully. Slowing down, healing and integrating life experiences will be our focus!
I treat the family as a system in which each person is honored and respected.
What do you want? What are you doing to get it? Is it working, and if not, what can you do differently? Your personal goals for therapy, once defined, will be at the heart of our work together. I'll support you in applying your strengths, deepening your sense of connection to yourself and those you love, and finding healthy ways to relate to negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Suffering is part of the human condition, but together, we can learn to respond to it skillfully. Slowing down, healing and integrating life experiences will be our focus!
(530) 723-1579 View (530) 723-1579
Photo of Shelly Kunker, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Shelly Kunker
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95864
I am licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and hold a Doctorate Degree in Psychology.
Please note - I do not accept insurance. I specialize in working with children, teenagers, and adults who have experienced trauma or grief. Trauma can include a variety of things including physical, emotional, sexual or any other type of abuse, such as being raped or attacked; witnessing or experiencing something terrible such as a car accident or the trauma of combat deployment; the death of a loved one; or many other difficult life experiences. I have also helped numerous members of the LGBTQ community, including those questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity.
I am licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and hold a Doctorate Degree in Psychology.
Please note - I do not accept insurance. I specialize in working with children, teenagers, and adults who have experienced trauma or grief. Trauma can include a variety of things including physical, emotional, sexual or any other type of abuse, such as being raped or attacked; witnessing or experiencing something terrible such as a car accident or the trauma of combat deployment; the death of a loved one; or many other difficult life experiences. I have also helped numerous members of the LGBTQ community, including those questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity.
(916) 545-6795 View (916) 545-6795
Photo of Amy J Ahlfeld Psyd, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Amy J Ahlfeld Psyd
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family & friends, practicing yoga, drinking tea, and being outdoors.
I have a clinical and consulting practice in Midtown working with individuals and couples on parenting, women's issues, relationship violence, and anger management. Additionally, I work as an executive coach with professionally successful Women of Color. As a licensed psychologist, my training and life experience have afforded me the opportunity to provide expert consultation, counseling, and evaluation services. I have conducted short and long term therapy as well as comprehensive assessments pertaining to academic, workplace, or medical-related issues. Specific client populations I work with include executives, men and women of color, adolescents (and families), and domestic violence offenders.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family & friends, practicing yoga, drinking tea, and being outdoors.
I have a clinical and consulting practice in Midtown working with individuals and couples on parenting, women's issues, relationship violence, and anger management. Additionally, I work as an executive coach with professionally successful Women of Color. As a licensed psychologist, my training and life experience have afforded me the opportunity to provide expert consultation, counseling, and evaluation services. I have conducted short and long term therapy as well as comprehensive assessments pertaining to academic, workplace, or medical-related issues. Specific client populations I work with include executives, men and women of color, adolescents (and families), and domestic violence offenders.
(916) 546-4379 View (916) 546-4379
Photo of Catherine Cohen, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Catherine Cohen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
In my practice, I blend a warm, compassionate and respectful approach along with solid science and practical experience. Clients find that the simple act of talking in therapy provides a wealth of information which in turn brings decisions about what to do. My special areas of focus Include work with abuse and trauma survivors, relationship and intimacy issues, work concerns, culture and identity concerns, & chronic illness and health. I welcome adults and adolescents to my practice, and offer individual, couples and family therapy.
In my practice, I blend a warm, compassionate and respectful approach along with solid science and practical experience. Clients find that the simple act of talking in therapy provides a wealth of information which in turn brings decisions about what to do. My special areas of focus Include work with abuse and trauma survivors, relationship and intimacy issues, work concerns, culture and identity concerns, & chronic illness and health. I welcome adults and adolescents to my practice, and offer individual, couples and family therapy.
(916) 444-8834 View (916) 444-8834
Photo of Amir Ramezani, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Amir Ramezani
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95814  (Online Only)
com/health for more information about individual, family, classes/educational, and assessment services.
As James Baldwin famously said, "not everything that has been faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed unless faced", I also offer you the following poem: "When we feel safe, anything is possible. We become unstoppable. Because we have a firm ground to launch and a safe ground to land. We can then stand. Voice ourselves, show ourselves. Life becomes a dance."
com/health for more information about individual, family, classes/educational, and assessment services.
As James Baldwin famously said, "not everything that has been faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed unless faced", I also offer you the following poem: "When we feel safe, anything is possible. We become unstoppable. Because we have a firm ground to launch and a safe ground to land. We can then stand. Voice ourselves, show ourselves. Life becomes a dance."
(916) 963-9398 View (916) 963-9398
Photo of Kristine Estrada, Pre-Licensed Professional in Sacramento, CA
Kristine Estrada
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95811
I have first-hand knowledge of the frustration and challenges to navigate the mental health system to support family members to receive proper care.
I applaud you for the courage it takes to explore personal change and enrich your life to achieve your personal goals. I assure you that whatever fears, regrets, resentment or grief you are carrying, you are not alone and there is a path to a lighter and brighter life. I believe that therapy is an opportunity to explore your inner wisdom as you navigate solutions to life experiences. I cultivate a welcoming, supportive and safe environment while understanding what "speaks" to you for therapy to be effective. Each person is unique, therefore my therapeutic approach is tailored to match the needs of the individual and situation.
I have first-hand knowledge of the frustration and challenges to navigate the mental health system to support family members to receive proper care.
I applaud you for the courage it takes to explore personal change and enrich your life to achieve your personal goals. I assure you that whatever fears, regrets, resentment or grief you are carrying, you are not alone and there is a path to a lighter and brighter life. I believe that therapy is an opportunity to explore your inner wisdom as you navigate solutions to life experiences. I cultivate a welcoming, supportive and safe environment while understanding what "speaks" to you for therapy to be effective. Each person is unique, therefore my therapeutic approach is tailored to match the needs of the individual and situation.
(916) 252-4901 View (916) 252-4901
Photo of Traci Bianchi Templin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Traci Bianchi Templin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
To maintain balance in my own life, I enjoy outdoor activities with family, friends - and the family dogs.
Welcome! I offer support for your journey to a balanced, peaceful, and happy life. I have a passion for guiding clients through their journey of finding peace, balance, and happiness in life. I view therapy as a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist. I support my client's unique individuality, life experience, and their personal story. I value openness, acceptance, and laughter, and I strongly believe that we are all in a lifelong process of growth and change. Using empathy and compassion, I provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns.
To maintain balance in my own life, I enjoy outdoor activities with family, friends - and the family dogs.
Welcome! I offer support for your journey to a balanced, peaceful, and happy life. I have a passion for guiding clients through their journey of finding peace, balance, and happiness in life. I view therapy as a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist. I support my client's unique individuality, life experience, and their personal story. I value openness, acceptance, and laughter, and I strongly believe that we are all in a lifelong process of growth and change. Using empathy and compassion, I provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns.
(916) 727-6454 View (916) 727-6454
Photo of Maria Turner-Lloveras, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Maria Turner-Lloveras
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
I offer individual therapy, family therapy, play therapy, and parent guidance/coaching.
Are you concerned about your child's behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I have experience working with children, adolescents and parents on many issues including loss, attachment, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, and low self-esteem. I also work with complex families dealing with family conflict. Parents are essential to children’s wellbeing and need support to find new ways of understanding and responding to their children. Therapy provides a safe protected space that nurtures exploration, reflection, growth and change.
I offer individual therapy, family therapy, play therapy, and parent guidance/coaching.
Are you concerned about your child's behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I have experience working with children, adolescents and parents on many issues including loss, attachment, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, and low self-esteem. I also work with complex families dealing with family conflict. Parents are essential to children’s wellbeing and need support to find new ways of understanding and responding to their children. Therapy provides a safe protected space that nurtures exploration, reflection, growth and change.
(510) 692-4893 View (510) 692-4893
Photo of Dawn Mehalakis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Dawn Mehalakis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95842  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have been working as a therapist for 13 years. In my work, I am fortunate to have worked with both children and adults struggling in childhood abuse, traumatic experiences, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. In addition, I work with adults with Substance Abuse Disorder, caregivers caring for a mentally ill loved one, functional life skills, relationship issues, and parenting.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have been working as a therapist for 13 years. In my work, I am fortunate to have worked with both children and adults struggling in childhood abuse, traumatic experiences, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. In addition, I work with adults with Substance Abuse Disorder, caregivers caring for a mentally ill loved one, functional life skills, relationship issues, and parenting.
(530) 940-9538 View (530) 940-9538
Photo of Kathleen Oravec, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Kathleen Oravec
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
I help couples, women, men, adolescents resolve communication issues impacting family and professional relationships.
Are you and your partner having trouble communicating without dissolving into conflict that seems to never get resolved? Are you tired of feeling anxious and walking on egeshells? Do you have difficulty expressing yourself and getting your needs met? Do you often end up in the same relationship rut without being able to find a way out of an unsatisfying cycle of blame and regret?
I help couples, women, men, adolescents resolve communication issues impacting family and professional relationships.
Are you and your partner having trouble communicating without dissolving into conflict that seems to never get resolved? Are you tired of feeling anxious and walking on egeshells? Do you have difficulty expressing yourself and getting your needs met? Do you often end up in the same relationship rut without being able to find a way out of an unsatisfying cycle of blame and regret?
(916) 546-1493 View (916) 546-1493
Photo of Joel Farber, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Joel Farber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95833  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! We all need to talk to someone, so whether it's me, another therapist, a trusted family member or a friend, I am thankful you want to talk and take care of yourself. I am an easy-going and genuinely curious therapist. My goal is to create a non-judgmental space for clients to explore their issues, gain awareness of any self-limiting patterns, learn helpful skills, and hopefully laugh a little. I believe that with support and guidance, the challenges and transitions we face can become opportunities for personal growth and a chance to re-frame our experiences in a positive way.
Hello! We all need to talk to someone, so whether it's me, another therapist, a trusted family member or a friend, I am thankful you want to talk and take care of yourself. I am an easy-going and genuinely curious therapist. My goal is to create a non-judgmental space for clients to explore their issues, gain awareness of any self-limiting patterns, learn helpful skills, and hopefully laugh a little. I believe that with support and guidance, the challenges and transitions we face can become opportunities for personal growth and a chance to re-frame our experiences in a positive way.
(530) 688-6510 View (530) 688-6510
Photo of Paula Kenney, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Paula Kenney
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
So often we compromise our own needs to please someone else. We might have learned to do this as children to get along with our parents and family members. As we move into adulthood, this habit stays with us and can cause us to feel lonely, confused, not good enough, and a sense that something important is missing in our lives.
So often we compromise our own needs to please someone else. We might have learned to do this as children to get along with our parents and family members. As we move into adulthood, this habit stays with us and can cause us to feel lonely, confused, not good enough, and a sense that something important is missing in our lives.
(916) 265-2006 View (916) 265-2006
Photo of Michael Anthony Nevans, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Michael Anthony Nevans
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95822  (Online Only)
Mike specializes in individual, couples, family, and group therapy for teenagers and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, adaptation struggles, grief & loss, and relationship issues.
Mike likes to work with people who are ready to make changes in their life. They do not need to know exactly what that looks like or means yet, they just need to be sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Mike enjoys working with people who have depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, and addiction issues. He also practices couple therapy and likes to offer premarital counseling, empowerment couple's counseling, and helping the healing process post infidelity or other ruptures in the relationship. Mike spent 4 years working with people in an international setting in Tokyo and enjoys providing therapy in a multicultural space.
Mike specializes in individual, couples, family, and group therapy for teenagers and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, adaptation struggles, grief & loss, and relationship issues.
Mike likes to work with people who are ready to make changes in their life. They do not need to know exactly what that looks like or means yet, they just need to be sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Mike enjoys working with people who have depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, and addiction issues. He also practices couple therapy and likes to offer premarital counseling, empowerment couple's counseling, and helping the healing process post infidelity or other ruptures in the relationship. Mike spent 4 years working with people in an international setting in Tokyo and enjoys providing therapy in a multicultural space.
(925) 477-4985 View (925) 477-4985
Photo of John O'Donoghue, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
John O'Donoghue
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95826
I am John O'Donoghue, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California - MFT 40935 I enjoy helping people with family and relationship issues, workplace and career issues, and general transitions along life's journey. Other areas of expertise include grief and loss, blended family issues, stress, coping with the narcissists in your life, mild depression, anxiety, social anxiety, procrastination, guilt, anger, self-blame, PTSD, family conflict, highly sensitive people, spirituality, and existential issues.
I am John O'Donoghue, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California - MFT 40935 I enjoy helping people with family and relationship issues, workplace and career issues, and general transitions along life's journey. Other areas of expertise include grief and loss, blended family issues, stress, coping with the narcissists in your life, mild depression, anxiety, social anxiety, procrastination, guilt, anger, self-blame, PTSD, family conflict, highly sensitive people, spirituality, and existential issues.
(831) 604-3154 View (831) 604-3154
Photo of Aspen Intervention Wellness Center, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Sacramento, CA
Aspen Intervention Wellness Center
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LAADC-, CA, ICADC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95827
If a family is seeking consultation for substance abuse or intervention, we can only assume that things at work or home in the substance abuser's life are not going well.
At Aspen Intervention Wellness Center, we provide discreet, confidential assessment, communication and dedication to serve you and your loved one to get on the road to recovery. With guidance to wellness and healing we believe everyone deserves to have a better quality of life and access into recovery with the highest quality of care available. We have access to Medically Managed Detox and Dual-Diagnosis residential treatment or intensive outpatient treatment for individuals, families and professionals. We use an approach that is highly individualized with an array of options customized in personalized treatment plans.
If a family is seeking consultation for substance abuse or intervention, we can only assume that things at work or home in the substance abuser's life are not going well.
At Aspen Intervention Wellness Center, we provide discreet, confidential assessment, communication and dedication to serve you and your loved one to get on the road to recovery. With guidance to wellness and healing we believe everyone deserves to have a better quality of life and access into recovery with the highest quality of care available. We have access to Medically Managed Detox and Dual-Diagnosis residential treatment or intensive outpatient treatment for individuals, families and professionals. We use an approach that is highly individualized with an array of options customized in personalized treatment plans.
(530) 869-6502 View (530) 869-6502
Photo of Janet Greenwood, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Janet Greenwood
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, RN, MFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95831
Certified Imago Relationship Therapist committed to helping couples save their marriage and keep their family together.
I specialize in working with couples wanting to recover from a crisis. I offer over 30 years experience as a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, PhD, RN, Licensed marriage therapist. You can select either our 10 Hour Couples Program or the 5 hour private Intensive Couples Session. Prevent unnecessary divorce; change begins the first session. Increase emotional and physical intimacy and fall back in love with your partner.
Certified Imago Relationship Therapist committed to helping couples save their marriage and keep their family together.
I specialize in working with couples wanting to recover from a crisis. I offer over 30 years experience as a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, PhD, RN, Licensed marriage therapist. You can select either our 10 Hour Couples Program or the 5 hour private Intensive Couples Session. Prevent unnecessary divorce; change begins the first session. Increase emotional and physical intimacy and fall back in love with your partner.
(916) 546-1518 View (916) 546-1518
Photo of Lee Warren Cowan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Lee Warren Cowan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
My primary specialties are men's relationships, anxiety issues and family conflicts.
I assist people in finding ways to triumph over the difficulties of living in healthy relationships. Having had a Canadian mother and lived in four distinct regions of the United States as well as Germany before coming to California I draw from my multicultural life experiences which also encompass 47 years of marriage, 4 adult children and Hi Tech work for 25 years. Growing up with a loving, but work-obsessed father has prepared me to assist with fathering issues. I am trained in EMDR/trauma therapy and Certified in Addiction Treatment, Prepare & Enrich Counseling and CBT TEAM Therapy.
My primary specialties are men's relationships, anxiety issues and family conflicts.
I assist people in finding ways to triumph over the difficulties of living in healthy relationships. Having had a Canadian mother and lived in four distinct regions of the United States as well as Germany before coming to California I draw from my multicultural life experiences which also encompass 47 years of marriage, 4 adult children and Hi Tech work for 25 years. Growing up with a loving, but work-obsessed father has prepared me to assist with fathering issues. I am trained in EMDR/trauma therapy and Certified in Addiction Treatment, Prepare & Enrich Counseling and CBT TEAM Therapy.
(408) 597-4677 View (408) 597-4677
Family Therapy

What do family therapists do?

A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?

Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?

Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.